Hello and holy moly! Today is my 31st (…21st?) birthday!! When I started lifewithlilred in 2014, I never imagined writing a birthday post for myself eleven years later but here we are. And I wouldn’t want it any other way! As it’s mine and Johnny’s birthaversary, I have already had a wonderful celebration so far. A party at home, dinner with my in laws, and treating myself to a fresh new fill. I am also very much looking forward to a birthday FaceTime with my blogging bestie, a hang out with my other bestie, and a big family dinner at Hibachi Japan. Why celebrate for one day when you can celebrate all month, amiright?!
As I reflect on another year older (And hopefully wiser!), I can’t help but to think how lucky I am. Lucky to have an amazing family, friends, husband, bunnies, and the whole blogosphere in my corner. It is such a gift to be surrounded by so much love every day and no matter how much I wish I could slow the aging process down, it is a gift to be able to do so with the best company by my side. You know what? These past handful of years have been some of the best of my life so maybe getting older isn’t all that bad. Not that thirty-one is old (I’m trying to remind myself!), but you know what I mean lol. All I know is that I am in store for another great year and I can’t wait to share it with each and every one of you!
Happy birthday to me and thank you ALL for spending time with me on lifewithlilred every day. I love you!!!
Howdy!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is mine and Johnny’s fourth wedding anniversary!! And, rather than celebrate just one day, we celebrate all month because June is our birthaversary. Johnny’s birthday was on the first, our anniversary is the fourth, and my birthday is on the seventh – how cool is that?! It’s so unique to have our birthdays so close together and having our anniversary smack dab in the middle is the cherry on top. ❤
Johnny and I had our first date at our favorite bar, the Cashmere Cricket, and it was love at first sight for both parties involved (Or so he tells me!). Seriously, as soon as we saw each other it was like fireworks going off and it sounds cheesy but it is so true. Ever since our first date, Johnny and I were joined at the hip and have probably only been apart from each other for three weeks in total in our extensive tenure. I wouldn’t want to have it any other way because I miss him terribly as soon as he leaves for work in the morning!
Johnny and I just have fun together. It’s as simple as that. We have so much in common, we make each other laugh, and you could put us in an empty room and we would still find a way to have a blast. Johnny and I genuinely enjoy each other’s company and it turns everything from returning home from work to a dinner date into an exciting adventure. Whether we are out on the town or watching all of our favorite shows on the couch, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world because Johnny is there with me.
I have never experienced a love so deep and pure in my entire life and I can truly feel it whenever I so much as glance at my main squeeze. Johnny is my best friend, my rock, and one of the best men I have ever known. He is sensitive, kind, hilarious, handsome AF, talented, and so completely himself. My heart swoons when he plays guitar and he brings music everywhere he goes. He gives my dad bi-weekly guitar lessons and whenever we are with our nieces and nephew, it’s a full on rock n’ roll dance party. Johnny is a gift to everyone he encounters and I hit the lottery by being able to be his wife.
To the love of my life – Happy Anniversary!!! You are my everything! ❤
Hello!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my main squeeze, Johnny’s, birthday!! My beloved’s birthday kick starts our birthaversary extravaganza and I am so excited to celebrate our big days and wedding anniversary together. I truly do not know what I would do without my Johnny and I consider myself to be the luckiest girl in the whole world. We have been together for well over five years and those first date butterflies have remained every day since. I miss him when we’re apart, I think about him all the time, and it is still exciting when he greets me at the door after work. It’s safe to say I am madly, deeply in love!
Whether we are at home binging our favorite shows or on the go, it is never a dull moment with Johnny. We just have fun together and his personality and laugh are infectious. Johnny is never without a kind word to say to anyone and he provides such a bright light to everyone he encounters. He is always, always thinking about others before himself and loves fiercely. It is so beautiful to see him interact with those he holds dear because it simply radiates. It is my absolute favorite to watch him play with our sweet nieces and nephew and he really is joy personified.
Being married to Johnny is a nonstop adventure and waking up next to him is a gift. Since our first date, we have barely been apart from each other and I wouldn’t want it any other way. We have been through so many of life’s ups and downs together and I couldn’t and don’t want to imagine anyone else by my side. Johnny has made my life better in more ways than I could ever count and I fall in love with him more every day. And I don’t even care how cheesy that sounds because it is the truth! ❤
Hello!!! The best thing that lifewithlilred has ever done is, easily, connecting me with my best friend in the world, Kate, of Live In The Nautical. One day, we just started talking and I swear we haven’t stopped since! Despite living in two different states, Kate might as well be right next door to me. We are always texting and I live for our FaceTime dates that turn into hours on end discussions. She is such a bright light in my life – my blogging bestie, my Gemini twin, and a true gift to everyone who is lucky enough to know her. Regardless of where we’re located, we are joined at the hip and that is never going to change. ❤
When I got to work at chez parents this past Tuesday, I was greeted by a goodie box waiting for me on the kitchen table. Then, when I returned after a little shift, I saw more packages that were delivered while I was gone. The contents were none other than an amazing haul from my BFF and she spoiled me rotten this year! Check it out:
Getting gifts from Kate is a straight up “But wait – there’s more!” experience. The first prezzie I opened was the adorable travel cup boasting the fact that I am, indeed, in my Bunny Mom Era!! I just love the funky 70s print and that it is even customized with the names of my sweet buns, Melvin and Penelope. I know that I will be sipping Diet Coke on ice from this perfect sized cup all summer long. I also know that my niece is going to love using this when she visits at my apartment because she forever insists on having a straw to drink from lol. AND I also ALSO know that my bunnies appreciate being thought of too because they are always running around whenever Kate and I FaceTime so they know who their aunt is!
The next gift I tore into was a tiny jewelry box from a brand called Sirius Woods. I clutched my pearls when I saw the gorgeous carved skull earrings nestled inside! As a spooky gal, I love literally anything with skulls on it. However, these are so sentimental because they look exactly like my engagement ring!! My beloved engagement ring features a huge pearl carved into a skull and these earrings make my bling feel like a completed set. They are beautifully crafted and delicate and I couldn’t imagine how Kate was going to top herself on the remaining present. Of course, she totally did!
The final package to tear open was the piece de resistance: A page of music from her, mine, and Johnny’s very special show called Hadestown. Kate introduced me to this astounding musical and Johnny and I were able to see it when it toured at Playhouse Square. We went to Hadestown during one of the worst times of my life and it was one of the few happy moments in literal months of agony. The show transported us and the music moved me so deeply. In fact, the framed song Kate gave me makes me cry every time and that is no exaggeration. Just ask my husband! Trust and believe, tears were shed when this gift revealed itself but, for once, they were the happy kind. Tears of joy to be soul sisters with someone who knows me so well, bonds with me on every level, and provides me with the sunshine of her spirit every day. It was like opening up a hug and I am still blown away. ❤
Since day one, being best friends with Kate has made my life better. And, as much as I treasure all of the treasures she gave me, she will always be my greatest gift! ❤
How did you and your best friend meet? Have you made any friends through your blog or social media? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
Hello!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my big brother, Andrew’s, birthday!! Andrew is my partner in crime. He is my best friend, my work out buddy, and an absolute gift to all who know him. Whether we are hiking, gaming, or just hanging out it is the best time because we are together. Andrew has an incredible sense of humor, is so caring, and always has a kind word to say. He is the first person who notices when I get my nails done or am wearing something new and you have no idea how much that warms my heart.
Being able to have built in besties with my siblings is such a special thing and Andrew and I are the dream team. Our personalities work so well together and there is nothing we can’t do when we have a plan in mind. Andrew inspires me to no end and is always striving to better himself, which is something that we can all learn from. He’s a hard worker, a loving son, and the most amazing friend I could ever ask for. I am so excited to be able to celebrate my big bro and am thankful for every minute we have together!! ❤
Hello everyone and happy Happy Mother’s Day to all of the wonderful moms, pet moms, moms to be, and every other kind of mom out there! I so hope that you can spend your day exactly the way you want to and feel celebrated and showered with love. There are so many amazing moms in my life that this day is special for and not a day goes by that I am not blown away by their hard work, dedication, and unconditional love that simply radiates. It is such a beautiful thing and should be appreciated constantly – not just one day of the year!
I am lucky enough to have the best mom in the world and she serves as inspiration in every aspect of my life. My mom is so fun, funny, caring, and loves fiercely. She is never without a kind word for any and everyone she encounters and can instantly turn a bad day around from just a phone call. I am my mom’s thirty year old baby lol and it is an absolute gift to be able to have that relationship with her. No matter what the situation is, my mom is always the person I want to talk to first for encouragement, advice, or a laugh. And, believe you me, we are always talking because we miss each other as soon as we part ways! It is the most pure love and I wish I could carry my mom around in my pocket all day every day!! ❤
To all of the moms out there: Thank you and Happy Mother’s Day!!!
Hello!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my big sister, Kristen’s, birthday!! In case you haven’t noticed, springtime is a birthday jamboree in my family and it is so much fun to celebrate all of my favorite people. Having a sister is having a built in BFF and I am the luckiest gal in the world to have Kristen as mine. She is truly the best and I cannot wait to take her out on the town for her big day!
In my youth, I thought Kristen was the absolute coolest and my sentiments remain the same. In fact, even more so now. Kristen is the extraordinary mother of my three sweet nieces and they are a gift to their TT and Uncle Johnny. I genuinely have no idea how she does it all between her beautiful family, beloved pets, and work because she makes it look easy when it is anything but. Witnessing my big sis and brother-in-law blossom in their parenthood adventure is so special to me and it’s difficult to put into words how incredibly proud I am of them.
I wish that I could see my sister and her family every day and it is my favorite when we all get together. Whether it’s lunch at our go to Mexican restaurant, a trip to the park, shopping, or just hanging out, I cherish every second. And, of course, I cherish every second whenever I can get some solo time with my sister. Whenever we are together, it’s like we’re teenagers again! We listen to our oldie but goodie anthems, still frequent Taco Bell, and get told that we look exactly alike by a stranger at least once. It’s basically the best throwback ever and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Even though Kristen would roll her eyes at this, in my heart of hearts I feel like she is my other half and that sister/BFF bond is stronger now more than ever. ❤
To the most amazing, kind, fun, and every other good adjective sister in the world:
Hello everyone!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my dad’s birthday!! As per my dad’s longstanding tradition, he does not care to celebrate his birthday. Because of this old standby, his birthday post will be short and sweet because I know that’s what he would prefer lol. So, I will say this:
My dad is truly one of the best men to ever walk the face of this earth. Of course, he is arguably one of the funniest people I know but he is also so kind and shows unparalleled strength in even the most difficult of situations. His ability to keep moving forward while still trying to make the absolute best of any and everything is nothing short of inspiring to me. I am exceptionally proud to be my father’s daughter and I value his opinion, advice, and sense of adventure so much. My dad never shies away from learning something new and taking that challenge head on. IE: Johnny has been giving my dad guitar lessons, he practices every day, and he just keeps getting better and better. I think we can all learn from that go getter spirit – I know I most certainly have! ❤
Hello everyone!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful, glorious day because it is my mom’s birthday!! My mom is my A1 ride or die bestie and is a shining example of a person who is truly beautiful inside and out. She is strong, courageous, and resilient – even in the most difficult of situations and it has provided me with a masterclass on handling life’s curveballs with grace. On top of being a total badass, my mom is silly, hilarious, and sweet as can be. From my childhood to present day, I have never seen her without a smile or a kind word for everyone she encounters and I try to model that every day. I always remember her saying that these words and actions can make someone’s day and I apply that sentiment liberally.
My mom inspires me to no end. Of course, I find inspiration from her in my day to day life, but in my career too. I would not be an Independent Provider without her expert knowledge and guidance and her teachings are so beneficial to myself and my clients alike. It is such a gift! My mom plays a major role in all aspects of my life and I always want to talk to her. Whether it is working through a problem, sharing good news, or chatting about the day, it is a huge comfort to know that my mom is just a phone call or five minute drive away.
When people age, they tend to say that they are “turning into their mother” like it’s a bad thing. My biggest hope and wish is that I turn exactly into my mother. In fact, I love it when I have a “mom moment” because I know I am well on the right track! ❤
Hello! Johnny and I live for a good Middle Class Fancy Date Night and that is exactly what we did for Part One of our Valentine’s Day celebration. After work on Friday, we got ready and headed over to Red Lobster for a V-Day dinner. It might seem like a strange choice because I don’t eat seafood. BUT, I freaking love their pasta and have been craving it something fierce. In fact, I have told Johnny I had been craving it for weeks which is how he decided upon our date night location. It was absolutely perfect and we even started a Lobsterita Revolution at the bar! Check it out:
Despite getting to Red Lobster around three thirty, the joint was already jumping. We were more than happy to wait the twenty minutes for a table, but we were famished. So, Johnny had the ingenious idea to eat at the bar which was fairly empty. As we decided on drinks, I planned on going for a classic Margarita. That was until we learned that Lobsteritas were a thing lol. The Lobsterita is basically a super sized Marg that comes with a festive lobster necklace. We were immediately sold and couldn’t stop laughing about the enormity of the glasses our drinks came in.
By the time our drinks were made, more people arrived at the bar and were nothing short of intrigued by what we were sipping on. And it was thus that the Lobsterita Revolution began. Guys, I kid you not: We literally had everyone seated around the bar drinking them. What made it even better was that people were actually wearing the necklaces too, just like us! A frenzy was created and it was hysterical to see what transpired simply from our drink order. Johnny and I essentially turned into the mayors of Red Lobster and we were chatting it up with everyone and toasting to an excellent Valentine’s Day. Truly, it doesn’t matter where Johnny and I are because we always end up having fun!
After the Great Lobsterita Revolution of 2025, our food arrived and not a moment too soon. We were ravenous! Johnny got his traditional fish and chips and was elated to see that Red Lobster had brought back The Daily Catch that nestled his meal. There is a story behind that so stay tuned! I ordered my go to garlic Alfredo pasta and it was so divine. I’m not sure if it was because I was really hungry but it was even better than I remembered it being! We finished our meal, said goodbye to all of our new friends at the bar, and headed home with full bellies and giggle fits. Our V-Day concluded with a viewing of The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and the joy of one of the best dates EVER. Every date with Johnny is the best EVER. ❤
Our Part Two of Valentine’s Day will happen this weekend when we do dinner and a show. We are seeing our favorite musical, Hadestown, and cannot wait!
How did you spend your Valentine’s Day? What is your favorite chain restaurant? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah
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